The Annual ZGC 2024 Zhongguancun Forum was held in Beijing from April 25th to 29^th.

“International Forum on Science and Diplomacy” as one of the parallel forums of the 2024 ZGC Forum was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government was held in Beijing Zhongguan on the afternoon of Monday, April 29, Beijing time.

Vice Minister of Science and Technology Chen Jiachang and Vice Chairman of the Beijing CPPCC Cui Shuqiang were invited as chief guests to attend and deliver speeches. With the theme of “Promoting Science for good and supporting sustainable development and Promoting Win-Win Cooperation”, the forum focused on strengthening global scientific and technological innovation collaboration, jointly building a global innovation network, and exploring new models of mutually beneficial and win-win global scientific and technological innovation cooperation, and discussed the promotion of science and technology from a global perspective.

Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz, President of the China-Pakistan Medical Association & Director of the International Cooperation Department of FDS Consortium represented Pakistan at the round table dialogue as speaker and presented the China Pakistan Health Corridor and diplomacy for sustaible development.

Opening remarks were given by the Chen JiaChang Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China and

Cui Shuqiang Vice Chairman of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Xue Lan,  Dean of Schwarzman College and Director of Academic Committee of the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University gave speech on Development and innovation in textile industry.

Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz emphasized Supporting Sustainable Development, in the intricate weave of global challenges, the threads of innovation, and sustainable development form a tapestry that tells the story of progress and resilience. The urgency for sustainable socio-economic uplift, particularly in the global South, hinges on the transformative influence of science, technology, and innovation. The resonant theme of “Innovation, and Sustainable Development” not only captures the spirit of our times but also addresses the pressing issues of population explosion, climate change, food insecurity, and the deepening divide between prosperity and poverty.

Dr. Shahbaz said that CPMA has been playing a key role for the establishment of multidisciplinary cooperation in medical field between China & Pakistan and Belt & Road countries. As Ambassador of Silk Road Friendship, it is worthy to mention that CPMA is one of those essential platforms bridging the gaps between the countries along the Belt & Road and promoting the cooperation in healthcare sector between China & Pakistan and other countries. China Pakistan “Health Corridor” (CPHC) is a state of the art initiative by CPMA launched in 2017. CPHC is multidisciplinary interconnected group of centers. The CPHC aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3, which emphasizes the importance of good health and well-being. By sharing expertise and adopting best practices, this initiative contributes significantly to building a resilient healthcare infrastructure that can withstand current and future challenges. Our team at FDS Consortium department of International Cooperation is promoting the health and well-being of the people of the CPHC and the the Belt and Road countries through technological innovation in high-end precision tumor radiotherapy and also under the leadership of Academician Wu Yican at International Acadmey of Neutron Sciences working for the nuclear safety & sustainable energy.

He said that the experience of China in managing health crises can be invaluable for other countries, especially those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The CPHC provides a unique opportunity for collaboration in health diplomacy. President Xi Jinping’s vision for a coordinated national response can serve as a model for BRI countries to strengthen their healthcare systems. Collaborative efforts through the CPHC can contribute to the capacity building of healthcare professionals, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle health crises effectively.

The collaboration can lead to the development of robust healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that BRI countries are better prepared to handle emergencies and provide quality healthcare to their citizens. Joint efforts in research and development can accelerate the discovery of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tools, fostering innovation in the field of public health. This initiative not only enhances the healthcare landscape in Pakistan but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation between China and Pakistan. As the corridor continues to evolve, its impact on the health sector and beyond is poised to be a beacon of success in Sino-Pak relations. The forum attracted more than 500 participants from more than 20 countries.